Longest Losing Streaks in NFL History: From Cardinals to Jaguars

Losing streaks in the NFL call for the need to anchor resilience, which is a pivotal feature for both players and teams. Typically, NFL is a tough sport with high stakes, owing to its intense physical and mental demands. This aspect calls for resilience, which is critical in helping teams bounce back from severe losses, far-reaching injuries, and tight schedules. Therefore, when franchises encounter prolonged losing streaks, resilience becomes a requisite factor, pulling them from the setback. 

In the NFL, there have been historical losing streaks, case in point being the Chicago Cardinals that endured frustrating 29 consecutive losses, spanning between 1942 and 1945. This losing streak underscores the importance of resilience and resurgence in the NFL, with the Cardinal’s experience being a notable point of historical reference, given its ability to rebuild after a devastating period of loss. 

Teams with the Longest Losing Streaks in NFL History

This is a breakdown of the NFL teams that have experienced the longest losing streaks in the league’s history, with a highlight of the games and seasons when the losses occurred. 

NFC Divisional Playoffs Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions//Getty Images

1. Chicago Cardinals (29 games, 1942-1945)

The 29-game losing streak by Chicago Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) is the longest in NFL history. It occurred before the AFL-NFL merger and 10 years before the culmination of the AFL. The streak began gradually, with three losses toward the end of the 1942 season. The unfortunate series of losses had just gained momentum, as in the 1943 season, the Cardinals experiencing a 10-game loss, which streamed consecutively. 

In 1944, the narrative continued, despite a hopeful “Card-Pitt” merger with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The situation exacerbated, following the departure of some players who left to serve in World War II, leading to another 10-game losing streak. The 1945 season started off with three losses, before the Cardinals resurged briefly, with a 16-7 victory against their cross-town rivals, the Chicago bears. The streak of losses resumed after this one-time win and the Cardinals marked another six-game loss that left them with a 1-9 season record. 

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26 games, 1976-1977)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead in the longest losing streak, post the AFL-NFL merger. For nearly two years, this franchise experienced a tough losing session that saw them being trampled in all but three games of their inaugural season of 1976, leaving them grappling with a heart wrenching 0-14 record. 

Their struggled were replicated in the 1977 season, where they made consecutive losses in their first 12 games, before recuperating in Week 13, when they registered their first historical 33-14 win against the New Orelans Saints. A week later, they made their second monumental victory, finishing off the season with a 2-12 record. 

Tampa Bay’s losing streak highlighted the hurdles they encountered as an expansion team. For them, building a competitive roster was an uphill task since they were starting from scratch; therefore, the lack of solid talent and depth was a key challenge. The team was marred by organizational struggles, with the coaching strategy used showcasing loopholes. The players were forced to adopt a winning culture at a time when they were struggling to overcome inexperience and poor team chemistry. 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (20 games, 2020-2021)

Part of the 2020 and 2021 seasons presented bitter moments to the Jacksonville Jaguars, following a 20-game losing streak. The situation began in the final part of the 2021 season and continued into the 2021 campaign. For a franchise that had majorly tasted success, the losing streak presented far reaching struggles to both the team and fan base.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ poor record had been imposed by a number of aspects, including coaching instability and roster inconsistencies. The shaky leadership style and decision making of the team’s 2021 head coach, Urban Meyer, placed the Jaguars at a tough spot. His departure, 13 games later, left the team grappling with poor and inconsistent strategies. Further, the Jaguars suffered a weak and unstable roster that required intensive rebuilding. Consequently, the team lacked talent and depth on its roster. 

On December 19, 2021, the Jaguars made a major turnaround by defeating the Miami Dolphins 26-11, making a screeching halt on the 20-game consecutive loss. 

4. Detroit Lions (19 games, 2007-2009)

The Detroit Lions’ 2007 to 2009 seasons were extremely challenging, marked by a historic 19-gmae losing streak that exposed the team’s weaknesses during that era. The journey of losses began in the 2007 season and progressed further in the 2008 season, which was marked by notable poor performance. 

The 2008 season ended with an embarrassing 0-16 record, handing the Lions a heartbreaking record of being the first team in NFL history to lose 16 games in a single season. The losing streak ended in 2009, after the Lions managed a 19-14 victory over the Washington Redskins, making their season opener worth a celebration. Among the underlying issues behind the 19-game losing streak and a winless season were front office challenges. 

5. Oakland Raiders (19 games, 1961-1962)

The 1961-1962 period was tough for the Raiders, as this was the time they registered a 19-game losing streak. The franchise was still in its early years of development; hence they were still struggling to establish an identity in the AFL. The Raiders was formed in 1960 and during that time, they had an uphill task of shaping a competitive squad in the rapidly evolving league. 

The Raiders halted the 19-game losing record in 1962. They beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-14, a victory that restored their confidence and glory. 

6. Houston Oilers (18 games, 1972-1973) 

Between 1972 and 1973, the Houston Oilers experienced a devastating 18-game losing streak, closing the 1972 season with a 1-13 record. The end of the streak occurred on December 2, 1973, after the Oilers clinched a victory over the Denver Broncos.

The Oilers were among the founding teams of the AFL but when the AFL-NFL merger occurred in 1970, they were still undergoing growth and development. Therefore, the losing streak was part of the struggles that the Oilers were battling.

7. Cleveland Browns (17 games, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017)

The Browns recorded poor performances during the 2015-2017 seasons, contributed by on-field struggles and coaching challenges. The 2015/2016 season ended with a 3-13 record that exposed Browns’ offensive struggles that blended with injuries, leading to a devastating season performance. 

The 2016/2017 season had an even worse 1-15 record, marked by one of the most heartbreaking starts of 0-14. The team only managed one win over the San Diego Chargers. During these seasons, poor offensive production and defensive struggles prevailed, leading to the 17-game losing streak. 

8. St. Louis Rams (17 games, 2008-2009)

St.Louis Rams began their 17-game losing journey in the latter section of the 2008 season and extended into the 2009 season. This was a major downturn, considering that the team had excelled in the 1999 Super Bowl. Marred by injuries as well as offensive and defensive struggles, the Rams had a disappointing 2-14 record in the 2008 season. 

The Rams’ 19-17 win against the Washington Redskins on September 27, 2009 stopped the 17-game losing streak, leading to a rejuvenating experience for both the players and fans. 

9. Washington Redskins (17 games, 1960-1961)

As the Washington Redskins sought to establish their identity in the league, they tasted a 17-game losing streak that started off in the 1960 season and overflowed into the 1961 season. The team’s inability to record wins was majorly caused by roster limitations, owing the lack of talent as most players were inexperienced. Therefore, the Redskin was incapacitated and could not compete effectively against well-established franchises. 

To break the losing streak, the Redskins made a 24-14 victory over the New York Giants, on October 1, 1961. At that time, the Redskins had begun consolidating their offensive performance, while their defense had gradually redefined their strategies, playing a pivotal function in restricting the Giant’s scoring. Todays, they are among the NFL teams with the most Hall of Famers. 

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (16 games, 1943-1945)

The Steelers saw consecutive losses in 16 games, between 1943 and 1945, partly because of World War II. A majority of players joined military service, leaving the Steelers’ roster inefficient. With a significant lack of a competitive squad, the franchise went downhill with losses.

The breakthrough came in October 28, 1945, when the Steelers secured a 28-17 win over the Chicago Cardinals.